Stars Turn to Cameron Gaunce on Defense

Stars Turn to Cameron Gaunce on DefenseWith the rash of injuries on defense, the Stars needed another body on the blue line and they called up Cameron Gaunce from the Texas Stars on Tuesday.

With the rash of injuries on defense, the Stars needed another body on the blue line and they called up Cameron Gaunce from the Texas Stars on Tuesday. They wasted no time getting him into the lineup. Gaunce played in Tuesday night’s 3-2 win over Colorado, registering no points, an even rating and two hits in 12:52 of ice time.

“He played very well. He did very well,” said Stars coach Lindy Ruff. “He did a great job of taking time and space away, he was on top of a lot of plays, I thought he moved his feet well and from top of the circles down, that’s how I look at the game, he made a lot of really good decisions for us.”

Gaunce played with Kevin Connauton, who was his playing partner with the Texas Stars late last season after Dallas acquired both players just prior to the NHL trade deadline. Gaunce came into the game with 11 NHL games under his belt, but all of those came in 2010-11 with Colorado.

“I have to be a bit better with the puck. I hate to admit it, but I was a bit nervous,” Gaunce said. “I thought the nerves would go away, but I can admit that. I was very happy with my gap, I was happy with how I defended. I thought Connauton and I played well in our zone tonight. When we did have a miscue or two, we were able to battle and get it out of the zone. Overall, I was happy with it.”

Colorado selected Gaunce in the second round (50th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft. The Stars acquired him last season for forward Tomas Vincour.

Injury updates

Defenseman Aaron Rome, who suffered a lower body injury in Monday’s game against Colorado, could be out a week to ten days, according to Stars coach Lindy Ruff.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.